Operation Reindeer

Police officers took to the streets - and the malls - last week in two special operations to keep residents safe during the holiday season. Every December, uniformed Hollywood officers hit the malls for Operation Reindeer, a campaign to create a visible police presence in shopping areas and prevent vehicle break-ins and other crimes against shoppers. Uniformed officers will patrol shopping centers and fire engines will be stationed in mall parking lots through Dec. 28. Certain crimes become more common during the holidays, said Maj. James Jones, head of the department's criminal investigation division.

'Tis the season to shop until you drop. Or is it? You've heard of all the things to do this shopping season. Here are some things you don't want to do. You don't want to waste your money, bust your budget or even carelessly let your guard down for thieves to steal your credit cards — and even your identity — while shopping for door-buster deals. Thieves prowl in parking lots and stores during the holiday season when many South Floridians may be frazzled, distracted or even careless, said Fort Lauderdale Detective DeAnna Garcia.

HOLLYWOOD Initiative seeks to curb crime While the holiday season is a happy time for most folks, there are some people who are out to ruin it. Every year pickpockets stalk and rob package-laden shoppers walking through and in and out of malls and shopping areas. The Police Department is trying to cut down on such activity through its annual Operation Reindeer crime prevention initiative. Operation Reindeer is now in effect at the Oakwood Plaza, Sheridan Plaza, Taft Street Shopping Center and the Target/Publix Shopping Center.

Police officers took to the streets - and the malls - last week in two special operations to keep residents safe during the holiday season. Every December, uniformed Hollywood officers hit the malls for Operation Reindeer, a campaign to create a visible police presence in shopping areas and prevent vehicle break-ins and other crimes against shoppers. Uniformed officers will patrol shopping centers and fire engines will be stationed in mall parking lots through Dec. 28. Certain crimes become more common during the holidays, said Maj. James Jones, head of the department's criminal investigation division.

Operation Reindeer, the Police Department's annual holiday season crime-prevention program, began on Friday with the start of the shopping season. By putting uniformed police officers in highly visible positions, the department's Street Crimes Unit hopes to deter thieves who go after holiday shoppers. "Everyone tends to carry a little more money than usual, so everyone is a potential target," said Todd DeAngelis, Hollywood Police spokesman. "We want to teach people how to protect themselves and augment that with additional security - plainclothes officers, bike patrols, rooftop surveyors, things of that nature," he said.

By BETH FEINSTEIN-BARTL Special to the Sun-Sentinel, November 27, 1994

Would-be thieves should beware this holiday season. You are most likely being watched. As in past years, many police departments will again assign uniformed and plainclothes officers to patrol malls, strip retail centers and downtown shopping districts. Most patrols started when the Christmas buying season went into full swing after Thanksgiving and will finish on New Year's Day. Whether the programs are called Operation Reindeer or Operation Scrooge, all have the same purpose - to take the bad guys off the streets and ensure a safe and happy holiday for everyone else.

By BETH FEINSTEIN-BARTL Special to the Sun-Sentinel, November 30, 1994

Would-be thieves should beware this holiday season. You are most likely being watched. As in past years, many local police departments will again assign uniformed and plainclothes officers to patrol malls, strip retail centers and downtown shopping districts. Most patrols started when the Christmas buying season went into full swing Thanksgiving weekend and will finish on New Year's Day. Whether the programs are called Operation Reindeer or Operation Scrooge, all have the same purpose - to take the bad guys off the streets and ensure a safe and happy holiday for everyone else.

Would-be thieves should beware this holiday season. You are most likely being watched. As in past years, many local police departments will again assign uniformed and plainclothes officers to patrol malls, strip retail centers and downtown shopping districts. Most patrols started Thanksgiving weekend and will finish on New Year's Day. Whether the programs are called Operation Reindeer or Operation Scrooge, all have the same purpose - to take the bad guys off the streets and ensure a safe and happy holiday for everyone else.

HOLLYWOOD -- A pair of robbery suspects have been arrested by Hollywood`s holiday Reindeer Patrol. The suspects, both from Fort Lauderdale, are Kenneth Shell, 18, of the 1200 block of Northeast 15th Street, and a 17-year-old, of the 1500 block of Northwest 16th Lane. Both were charged with armed robbery. Shell also was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, fleeing police, and reckless driving. Police said the two held up the Sub Center, a sandwich shop at 5913 Hollywood Blvd.

'Tis the season to shop until you drop. Or is it? You don't want to waste your money, bust your budget or even carelessly let down your guard for thieves to steal your credit cards -- and even your identity -- while you're shopping for door-busters. Thieves prowl in parking lots and stores during the holiday season when many South Floridians may be frazzled, distracted or even careless, said Fort Lauderdale Dectective DeAnna Garcia. “It's a shame but the theft can be over in a matter of seconds,” she said.

HOLLYWOOD Initiative seeks to curb crime While the holiday season is a happy time for most folks, there are some people who are out to ruin it. Every year pickpockets stalk and rob package-laden shoppers walking through and in and out of malls and shopping areas. The Police Department is trying to cut down on such activity through its annual Operation Reindeer crime prevention initiative. Operation Reindeer is now in effect at the Oakwood Plaza, Sheridan Plaza, Taft Street Shopping Center and the Target/Publix Shopping Center.

Would-be thieves should beware this holiday season. You are most likely being watched. As in past years, many local police departments will again assign uniformed and plainclothes officers to patrol malls, strip retail centers and downtown shopping districts. Most patrols started Thanksgiving weekend and will finish on New Year's Day. Whether the programs are called Operation Reindeer or Operation Scrooge, all have the same purpose - to take the bad guys off the streets and ensure a safe and happy holiday for everyone else.

By BETH FEINSTEIN-BARTL Special to the Sun-Sentinel, November 30, 1994

Would-be thieves should beware this holiday season. You are most likely being watched. As in past years, many local police departments will again assign uniformed and plainclothes officers to patrol malls, strip retail centers and downtown shopping districts. Most patrols started when the Christmas buying season went into full swing Thanksgiving weekend and will finish on New Year's Day. Whether the programs are called Operation Reindeer or Operation Scrooge, all have the same purpose - to take the bad guys off the streets and ensure a safe and happy holiday for everyone else.

By BETH FEINSTEIN-BARTL Special to the Sun-Sentinel, November 27, 1994

Would-be thieves should beware this holiday season. You are most likely being watched. As in past years, many police departments will again assign uniformed and plainclothes officers to patrol malls, strip retail centers and downtown shopping districts. Most patrols started when the Christmas buying season went into full swing after Thanksgiving and will finish on New Year's Day. Whether the programs are called Operation Reindeer or Operation Scrooge, all have the same purpose - to take the bad guys off the streets and ensure a safe and happy holiday for everyone else.

Operation Reindeer, the Police Department's annual holiday season crime-prevention program, began on Friday with the start of the shopping season. By putting uniformed police officers in highly visible positions, the department's Street Crimes Unit hopes to deter thieves who go after holiday shoppers. "Everyone tends to carry a little more money than usual, so everyone is a potential target," said Todd DeAngelis, Hollywood Police spokesman. "We want to teach people how to protect themselves and augment that with additional security - plainclothes officers, bike patrols, rooftop surveyors, things of that nature," he said.

HOLLYWOOD -- A pair of robbery suspects have been arrested by Hollywood`s holiday Reindeer Patrol. The suspects, both from Fort Lauderdale, are Kenneth Shell, 18, of the 1200 block of Northeast 15th Street, and a 17-year-old, of the 1500 block of Northwest 16th Lane. Both were charged with armed robbery. Shell also was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, fleeing police, and reckless driving. Police said the two held up the Sub Center, a sandwich shop at 5913 Hollywood Blvd.

HOLLYWOOD -- A Miami man, 23, was arrested Friday when he allegedly stole a generator from a department store in the 3200 block of Hollywood Boulevard. Police watching the mall parking lot as part of Operation Reindeer saw several store employees chasing the man. He was stopped by police and charged with grand theft, police said.